About the Creator
Ashley Groth
Teacher burn out is a problem in the dance world. While we love to teach, the jobs can be limited and some struggle to find a way to make it a career. In a given year I’ve taught 22 classes a week with an age range from 3 years old to adult. I’ve taught in both private studios and the public school system. Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, Latin, ballroom, swing, cultural/folk, creative movement, and choreography classes are all within my tool box. While I may not be proficient in all genres, I pride myself in being an ongoing learner. I make it a priority to participate in programs worldwide to diversify and further my education.
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It all started back in 2010 when I achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Education. I moved back to my home state of Minnesota and joined the workforce. In the first few weeks of teaching I learned that it requires just as much preparation time outside the classroom as actually does teaching students in the classroom. Finding/Editing music, ordering costumes that fit within a specific theme, price and size range, spending hours watching YouTube discovering the latest trends and getting inspiration…I love it all, but the work never ends.
For several years now I’ve had the idea to create a database for dance teachers to use to obtain inspiration or material for their classes. There have been plenty of times when I thought, “Man, if I could just get a lesson plan for this one class, I could free up a few hours of my week to go out with my friends”. Thanks to Covid-19 and the dance season being cut short, I decided the time was now.
I’m proud to present you with Dance Teacher Support, an online website to help enhance your classes whether they be in the studio or in the public school system. Every month I will be releasing new material to help provide inspiration in your classroom. Topics will range from technique progressions, age appropriate music lists, standard based lesson plans and summer camp program suggestions. I will also share with you hot topics regarding studio and classroom management. Like, “Are you a contractor or an employee?” My aim is to provide a place that makes your job easier. I hope you find this information as valuable as I do.